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Michigan’s AmeriCorps Michigan’s AmeriCorps Outreach InformationOutreach Information

Program Year 2004-2005Program Year 2004-2005

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Content

Overview of AmeriCorps

Available Funding

Application Process

Questions

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The National Level

• Nationally, AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

• Established in 1993, the CNCS engages more than a million American’s each year in service to their communities, providing a way to solve community problems.

• The CNCS has three major service components: AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America and the National Senior Service Corps.

• Currently, 50,000 AmeriCorps members serve nationwide.

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The State Level

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) is the administrative agent for Michigan’s AmeriCorps.

Our mission is to fund and support programs that encourage all Michigan residents to volunteer.

This mission is fulfilled through numerous programs, projects and activities focused on service & volunteerism.

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Michigan’s AmeriCorps Facts

Currently 13 programs in Michigan Over 300 members will serve this year Members serve on a full-time (1700

hours), half-time (900 hours), reduced half-time (675 hours), quarter-time (450 hours) or minimum time/summer-only (300 hours) basis.

Each program funded must have the equivalent of 10 full-time members (referred to as FTE’s).

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What is AmeriCorps? National Service Program (Domestic

Peace Corps) Programs focus on community needs

in one of five areas: Education, Environment, Public Safety, Homeland Security, or Human Needs

Members serve in programs and provide direct service to address community need.

Program goals include: Needs and Service Activities Strengthening Communities Participant Development Capacity Building

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What to expect…

AmeriCorps is….AmeriCorps is…. People power A team of

members addressing a compelling need

A way to leverage local & federal resources

AmeriCorps is not…AmeriCorps is not… A staffing program A one person team Cheap labor A way to fund your

organization A grant for supplies

or materials for your organization

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Funds Available for 2004Funds Available for 2004

Availability of funding has not yet been determined

Expecting to fund 2-3 new programs

Selected programs will begin Fall 2004

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Funding Priorities It has been determined that priority will be given

to the following program focus areas: Mentoring Early childhood education/development Services to schools not making Adequate Yearly Progress

(AYP) under ‘No Child Left Behind’ legislation Homeland security focus

Further information on these funding priority areas can be found on page 4 of the Michigan’s AmeriCorps Concept Paper Guidelines.

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Homeland Security The Corporation defines ‘homeland

security’ as appropriately engaging citizens and communities in preparedness and response to acts of terrorism and other disasters. Applications for programs that prepare to minimize the damage and recovery from any emergency, natural or man-made, will receive preference in the 2004-2005 program year.

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Program and Grant Size

Programs must request a minimum of 10 FTE (full-time equivalent).

Target average cost per FTE should not exceed $12,800. This amount may decrease based on federal guidance.

Grant size is determined by size of the program.

If program is funded with formula funds, then programs will be asked to revise their budgets so that they do not exceed 20% of Michigan’s formula allotment.

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Eligible Applicants

Educational institutions

Government/State Entities

Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)3 status

Must be in existence for at least 3 years.

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Match Requirements

Program Operational Costs require at least a 33% cash or in-kind match.

Member Support costs require at least 15% non-federal cash match.

First three years of funding: Member Support 85/15% (MCSC/Grantee) Program Operation 67/33% (MCSC/Grantee)

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Project activities must provide specific measurable service outcomes that otherwise would not be provided with existing funds or

volunteers, and that do not duplicate the functions of existing workers, or displace

paid employees.

An example of possible activities can be found on pages 6 – 11 in the 2004-2005 guidelines.

Michigan’s AmeriCorps

Needs and Service Activities

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Prohibited ActivitiesThere are several

activities that are prohibited for members during AmeriCorps time.

These include: Lobbying, religious

instruction and advocacy

A Full list can be found on page 17 in the 2004-2005 guidelines

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Member Eligibility, Recruitment & Selection

Members are recruited, selected and trained by each individual program.

Members serve on a full(1,700 hours within a 9 to 12 month period), half (900 hours), reduced-half (675 hours), quarter (450 hours) or minimum time/summer-only basis (300 hours). Members must serve in a time not to exceed one year.

Must be at least 17, possess high school diploma (or agree to work towards it) or equivalent and be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident alien.

Members can serve additional terms, but will only receive 2 education awards.

Meet any additional qualifications as determined by the program.

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Member BenefitsMember Benefits Living Stipend

Full-Time (min./max.) $10,197-$20,394

Other member living stipends are to be prorated based on full-time equation.

Federal funds can not exceed 85% of the minimum living allowance, which equals $8,667 per member

Health Care (FT Only) Child Care (FT Only) Training

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Educational Award Levels

$4,725 for full-time [1,700 hours] $2,362 for part-time [900 hours] $1,800 for reduced half-time [675

hours] $1,250 for quarter-time [450 hours] $1,000 for minimum time/summer only

[300 hours]

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Member Development Responsibilities

Citizenship:Develop lifelong ethic of service.

Training:Supervision & Training must be provided.

Required Hours:Members must devote 80% of hours to direct service, 20% to training.

Opportunities:Provide Leadership opportunities for members and encourage personal growth.

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Strengthening Communities

Programs strengthen communities by: Mobilizing Community Assets Generating Volunteers Involving the Community Engaging diverse staff and AmeriCorps

members

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Program Requirements For the 2004-2005 program year, all

AmeriCorps programs will be required to: Generate volunteers Provide citizenship training Measure and account for impact Partner with faith-based and small

community-based organizations

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Other Program Requirements & Responsibilities

Program Provides: Member Contract Grievance

Procedure Evaluation/

Outcome measurement

Identification (Site and Member)

Programs also: Supervise sites Report

programmatically and financially

Attend monthly director meetings

Participate in statewide events

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Tentative Submission Instructions

Intents to Apply due by 5 p.m. December 15, 2003.

Concept papers due no later than 5 p.m. January 15, 2004 (no faxes accepted)

Program Narrative not to exceed 15 double-spaced pages Program Design (60%)

Needs and Service Activity (20%) Member Development (20%) Strengthening Communities (20%)

Organizational Capacity (25%) Cost Effectiveness & Sustainability

(15%)

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Submission Package

Title Page Program Narrative Budget Form & Budget Narrative Financial Audit Submission Checklist

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Selection ProcessJanuary 26, 2004: Peer review of concept papersFebruary 2, 2004: Staff review of concept papersFebruary 4, 2004: Applicants are notified of progress to next

stageFebruary 11, 2004: Required meeting for continuing

applicantsMarch 4, 2004: New Comprehensive Applications due February 20, 2004: Revised applications are due to the

MCSC – final approval given for submissionJuly 9- September 30, 2004: Planning Grant period.*Dates are subject to change based on final guidance from

CNCS.

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Any Questions? Contact Andrew Younger at the MCSC – (517)335-7952.

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